How Shakira Millar Founded a Leading ABA Therapy Practice

Shakira Millar is a passionate and dedicated Behavior Therapist based in Pembroke Pines, Florida, with over a decade of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As the co-founder of Behavior Change LLC, Shakira has made it her mission to support children and families in overcoming behavioral challenges, fostering positive growth, and unlocking their full potential. Her journey began with high school at Lakefield College in Canada, followed by her time at the University of Guelph, where she initially pursued an undergraduate degree with hopes of becoming a veterinarian. However, life-changing events led her to shift her focus to child development. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Studies with a focus on Psychology from Walden University.

Currently, Shakira has completed her continuing education and received her certificate in Behavior Analysis from the Florida Institute of Technology. She is now preparing to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam to earn her official title, ensuring she remains compliant with ethical standards.

Shakira’s approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Working with different agencies throughout the years helped shape her passion and skill set, something she is incredibly grateful for, as it allowed her to shadow some amazing BCBAs in the field. This experience has enriched her ability to develop personalized and effective support strategies tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Outside of her professional life, Shakira Millar enjoys spending time outdoors and finds solace in nature, which helps her recharge and maintain a balanced lifestyle. She believes in the power of continuous learning and growth, both personally and professionally. Shakira’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to fostering positive change have made her a respected and influential figure in the field of ABA therapy, and she continues to inspire those around her through her unwavering support and compassion.

What inspired you to take the leap and co-found your own business, Behavior Change LLC? 

I’ve always had a passion for helping children and families navigate behavioral challenges, but I reached a point where I felt limited in my ability to make a meaningful impact while working for others. I wanted to create a space where I could develop my own vision, implement the strategies I believed in, and offer the level of personalized care that each child truly deserves. Co-founding Behavior Change LLC allowed me to focus on providing high-quality services, while also offering more support to therapists and fostering a family-like dynamic. My goal was to ensure that both employees and families felt comforted, supported, and genuinely happy with the progress and work ethic we bring to the table. This has given me the freedom to fully commit to my clients’ needs and create a positive impact on a larger scale.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from being an employee to an entrepreneur? 

One of the hardest challenges was adjusting to the reality that as a business owner, you’re responsible for everything. It’s not just about being a therapist anymore; you have to handle marketing, finances, administration, and more. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I took it one step at a time, focusing on what I needed to learn and where I could improve. Another big adjustment was finding the right work-life balance, which is something I’m still working on every day.

How did you prepare yourself for this transition, and what skills were most crucial in helping you succeed? 

My educational background in psychology and early childhood studies certainly laid a strong foundation, but transitioning into business ownership required a whole new set of skills. I did a lot of self-study on business management, finances, and marketing to understand what it takes to run a company. The most crucial skill, though, was resilience. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, but I had to keep going, adapt quickly, and remain focused on my mission.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of founding your own business? 

Without a doubt, it’s seeing the difference we’re able to make in our clients’ lives. When I see a child make progress, no matter how small, or when a family tells me how much we’ve helped them, it reinforces that all the hard work is worth it. Building a team that shares my passion for supporting children and watching them grow alongside our clients has also been incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business in the field of ABA therapy or any other industry? 

I’d say don’t be afraid to take the leap, but be prepared to face challenges along the way. Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and stay true to your purpose, even when things get tough. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your mission, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Lastly, keep learning—whether it’s about your field, business management, or personal growth—because running your own business requires constant adaptation and growth.

How did your previous experiences prepare you for the challenges of running your own business? 

Each role I held before co-founding Behavior Change LLC taught me invaluable lessons. Working as a Lead Therapist and in various other positions allowed me to gain hands-on experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, which is the foundation of my practice today. I learned how to build strong relationships with clients, adapt my strategies to meet each child’s needs, and understand the intricacies of running a therapy session effectively. These experiences also showed me the kind of work environment I wanted to create—one that is supportive, client-centered, and deeply rooted in empathy. They taught me not only the technical skills but also the importance of being patient, adaptable, and always willing to learn.

Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known before starting your own business? 

I wish I had known that the journey would be a marathon, not a sprint. I was eager to see quick results and wanted everything to fall into place perfectly, but the reality is that building a successful business takes time, patience, and perseverance. There were moments of doubt, unexpected challenges, and plenty of trial and error. But in hindsight, those moments were also the most valuable, teaching me to be resilient, resourceful, and flexible. If I had known that setbacks were a natural part of the process, I would have been kinder to myself along the way. Now, I see them as opportunities to grow and improve, and that mindset shift has been incredibly empowering.

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